In loving memory of

Alvin Henry Kasemodel
January 6, 1928 - May 7, 2013

Alvin H. Kasemodel, 85, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died on Tuesday morning, May 7, 2013, at Luther Manor in Dubuque, Iowa.

A celebration of Alvin's life will be held at 10 A.M., Friday, May 10, 2013, from the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Thursday, May 9, 2013, from the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Burial will be at the Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, Iowa, with military honors.

Alvin Henry Kasemodel, the oldest son of Herman and Marie (Schmuck) Kasemodel was born on January 6, 1928 at home. He was from a family of 11 brothers and sisters and the family lived in Springwater Township, in Rock County near Beaver Creek. He attended District 44 rural school until the age of 13 and then helped at home with the family farm. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Camp Polk in Louisiana. After basic training he was transferred to Korea from 1946-1947. During this time he learned to work on telephone lines and earned the rank of Sergeant.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home to Luverne where he worked on the farm and for the City of Luverne as a lineman. On February 7, 1950 he married Dolores Liane Ruddy. The couple lived in Luverne, Minnesota where the first 3 children, Susan, Ronald, and Lynette were born. The family moved to Maquoketa, Iowa in 1954 and Alvin worked for the City of Maquoketa as a lineman for a short time. He changed jobs and then worked for Iowa Electric as a lineman for 29 1/2 years. The couple had 3 more children, all born in Maquoketa, Edward, Lynn and LeAnn.

The family lived west of Maquoketa in the same farmhouse for 27 years before moving to town. During the last 2 years of working for Iowa Electric he took a transfer with the company and moved to rural Anamosa when the Maquoketa plant closed. He retired in 1986.

When the children were growing up Alvin enjoyed hunting fox, crow and coon for extra income for the family. After retirement, Alvin loved fishing and spending winters in Alabama.

Those left to honor Alvin's memory include his 6 children, Susan (Pete) Nelson of Edgeley, ND, Ronald (Beth) Kasemodel of Maquoketa, IA, Lynette (Jim) Adrian of Washington, IA, Ed (Diana Costello) Kasemodel of Grand Mound, IA, Lynn Kasemodel of Monticello, IA, and LeAnn Kasemodel of Maquoketa, IA; 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; sisters Bernice Falcosky of Phoenix, AZ, Leona Wallenberg of Council Bluffs, IA, Lucille Gangestad of Luverne, MN, Marvella Beck of Aberdeen, SD, Carol Sels of Sioux Falls, SD, and Joyce (Phil) Espitee of Barefoot Bay, FL; brothers, Robert (Joyce) Kasemodel of Escanaba, MI, and Albert Gene (Marge) Kasemodel of Renner, SD; many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brothers Marvin and Delmar, and a special friend Betty Lou.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Alvin H. Kasemodel memorial fund has been established.

Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Rhonda Kasemodel Gould wrote on May 12, 2013:

"It's time to write here on this tribute page. I've thought a lot about my uncle Alvin this past week and many times wished I could have been there in Maquoketa with my Kasemodel cousins. I have so many stories I could share - about fishing, his visits when I lived in Wisconsin, the fact that he attended not one, but TWO of my weddings, and the "Kasemodel humor" Tim alluded to! I always enjoyed spending time with him and hearing his stories. He was one of those people with the gift of gab who made friends wherever he went and made a mark on the lives of so many. A while back I received some of the photos he'd saved over the years and I was amazed to see my daughter's birth announcement, snapshots of my first wedding in 1991, and the photo Christmas cards I'd sent him over the years, many of which I no longer had myself. I will miss his easy laugh, his wry sense of humor, and his willingness to give of himself - all things he's passed on to my cousins to remember him."

Fred Fisher wrote on May 11, 2013:

"So sorryto hear of your loss .I worked with Kasey many years at Iowa Electric ,especially in the Anamosa area,He was one of the hardest working men I knew there. We went on ice storms in NW iowa he just had tons of energy. I always knew he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it . Lots of stories could tell. I retired in 2007 now live in Florida most of the time ,Hang on to the memories. May God Bless all of you FRED FISHER Madeira Beach Florida"

Kenny and Sherryl Caven wrote on May 9, 2013:

"To the entire Kasemodel Family Our deepest sympathy to your entire family at your loss our prayers and thoughts are with you."

jerry renner&family wrote on May 9, 2013:

"i would like to send deepest sympathies to alll of the kasemodels. it was always fun to stay overnite @ kasemodels.ed & lynn always wrestling each other.lynn showing me how to use the safety on his brother rons high powered rifle and shot a hole through the kitchen ceiling."

Lee and Sue Kasemodel wrote on May 9, 2013:

"Alvin was always fun to be with when we were kids and visited from wisconsin. As I grew older and was on the road I always made sure to spend a night in Maquoketa and visit. By then he was a good friend we would talk about our work. Sue and I were so glad to see Alvin and Betty at my parents 50th anniversary party ten years ago. Alvin and I talked for quite some time that day and relived old times. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our cousins and their children. "

Marilyn Lesnar wrote on May 9, 2013:

"Will really miss Alvin. We always had fun when the motor home pulled in to spend some time fishing in NE South Dakota. When I called my daughter Brittany to let her know that Alvin wasn't doing to well, she said that was really weird because she had just been thinking of him--they were frying fish and talking about his batter recipe. Sorry we can't make it for the funeral. Will keep you in our prayers. I really liked the video"

Candie Potter-Emery wrote on May 9, 2013:

"My prayers and thoughts go out to the Kasemodel's, sorry to hear of your loss. Classmate of Lynn.."

Deb Wallenberg wrote on May 9, 2013:

"My deepest sympathy to all those who loved Alvin and called him Dad, brother, grampa, great grampa and friend. The video tribute is amazing and shows what a fine man Alvin was and the beautiful family he held so dear. My last memory of Alvin was when he was in Sioux Falls visiting Betty in the hospital and got lost on the way back to Leona's house. Steve and I had to go "rescue" him in a parking lot on Minnesota Ave. Alvin and we all laughed off his embarrassment when he was safely back in Leona's living room. God's peace and comfort to you all as you face the days ahead. Focus on the gifts Alvin gave each of you and cherish the time you had together. "

Mary Kasemodel Blau wrote on May 9, 2013:

"Uncle Alvin was special to us and to the grandkids because the times we got together he was so much like our Dad, Delmar in many ways. Good ways, and after Delmar passed on, just listening to Uncle Alvin was to remember Dad & our Grandpa Kasey. I can still hear my kids giggling over this. I remember visiting Alvin & Delores one summer with Aunt Carol & Uncle Dick and the girls. It was a special time when he took us down on the Mississippi river boating. I will never forget the boat ride back to dock and the lights on the Mississippi. Thank you, Uncle Alvin for a day I will never forget. "

Barb Miller wrote on May 8, 2013:

"Lynn, Leann, Ed and family. My sympathy and prayers to for all of you. "

Donelle (Streets) Kilburg wrote on May 8, 2013:

"To the Kasemodel Family: Sending my deepest sympathy in your loss. "

Steve and Tammy Bassler wrote on May 8, 2013:

"LeAnn and family. So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Thinking of you."

Cathy (Bartels) Steines wrote on May 8, 2013:

"Sue and family, what a loss, but what memories! The pictures on this site are great. They remind me of so much of the fun at your place with your folks and brothers and sisters. I am reminded of your Mom and Dad every time that Confirmation rolls around because your Mom was my sponsor. Prayers and thoughts are with you still."

Sheryl Carter (Moore) wrote on May 8, 2013:

"Lynn & Family... sorry to hear about your father..you are in my thoughts and prayers!"

Tim Kasemodel wrote on May 7, 2013:

"I am so fortunate that my wife met Alvin even before she really got to know me (I think It helped her understand and accept our "genetics" prior to having our own children). Alvin broke her in to "Kasemodel humor" by getting her to 'pull his finger" ...... She was a little naive..... I did not get to know Uncle Alvin real well until I was 17 and went on a fishing trip up to Uncle Robert's in Escanaba in 1979. I also spent 3 days alone with him at Guttenberg, IA fishing around 1987 or so (he informed most people overcook fish - best lesson I ever learned from him (Delmar had already taught me "pull my finger) and we had the best time. I also want to acknowledge that even though Uncle Alvin found it difficult sharing his thoughts and feelings about his brother Delmar when we had Dad's "cabin memorial" weekend up north, he did so with enormous courage and much love for his brother. Alvin, I hope you and Delmar are getting a chance to catch up and argue about who had the best smoked fish (Delmar, of course) And to the kids, Ron, Sue, Lynette, Ed, Lynn and Leann, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Dad is in a better place - you all helped him lead a blessed life. Tim & Laura Kasemodel - Wayzata, MN"

Pam,Brian, Matthew, Alicia & Sarah Hartman wrote on May 7, 2013:

"Words can't express the loss we feel today. May God comfort Alvin's children and extend family during this extremely difficult time. Knowing Alvin is in heaven, surly fishing for the big one, brings a smile to my face. He will be remembered for his skillful knowledge of fishing and homemade french fries!"

Steve & Cindy Daniels wrote on May 7, 2013:

"Kasemodel Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. May you always remember the good times. You're in our thoughts and prayers."

Tom And LuAnn Elkins wrote on May 7, 2013:

"LeAnn ,Ed and family i am sorry for your loss.You're all are in our thoughts and prayers."

Paula Otten wrote on May 7, 2013:

"LeAnn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. You're all in my thoughts and prayers."

Julie Walther wrote on May 7, 2013:

"I always had a difficult time keeping track of my numerous uncles and aunts. I do remember visiting when I was quite young. He had a memory of seeing me in Lansing, IA. I had been a camp counselor that summer just outside of Lansing, and he was 100% certain it was me - even with all of his neices and nephews. He was a great guy! Once he knew you, you were a friend forever. "

TIna Kalous wrote on May 7, 2013:

"I have so many fond memories of Alvin when I lived on the farm. He laughed with me and at me for good reason. He was always so kind to me and I have missed him. I have never forgotten my years as part of your family, and all of you have a special place in my heart. Alvin will be greatly missed by his family and friends. My heart goes out to all of you."

Joan Rutenbeck Etringer wrote on May 7, 2013:

"Sue and family, So sorry for your loss."

Bill and Deb Roethler wrote on May 7, 2013:

"Alvin and Dolores were such wonderful neighbors and friends of our family as I was growing up.Our thoughts and prayers for the entire Kasemodel family."

CHERYL L HARTWIG wrote on May 7, 2013:

"SORRY 4 UR LOSS LEANN"

Joyce Espitee wrote on May 7, 2013:

"I was the youngest in the family so by the time I was born Alvin was already out working on farms. The most special memory I will have is of the camping weekend in Maquoketa in 2006 when Alvin parked his camper next to ours and some of his kids and grandkids (plus nieces Rhonda and Bethany) were there for the weekend or for dinner on Friday and Saturday. Lots of good food and lots of laughs the whole weekend! Alvin liked to give hugs and when I was in MN/SD for my brother Marvin's funeral, an aunt passed away. Because my flight back to CT was cancelled due to snow in the East, I stayed on a couple days and was able to go to her funeral as well. I think I gave Alvin a hug good-bye 3-4 times because of that delayed flight! "

Joyce and Robert wrote on May 7, 2013:

"This is maybe not the time, but we will always remember that Alvin was the one who came to our wedding on Halloween in 1987. He even danced the chicken dance with my (Joyce's) two sisters (who are now in heaven with him. Of course there are other memories, but that was special and it was 25 plus years ago! Alvin). He had a great time!! This is a happy memory. That was 25 1/2 years ago."